The Ashland St. Pulpit

Summary

This episode dives into God’s command, "Be Not Afraid," given to Paul in Acts 18:9. Through Paul’s journey in Corinth, we see how God’s presence, strength, and provision empower us to face fears, overcome challenges, and fulfill His purpose. No matter what we fear, God reminds us to rely on His promises and find courage in His companionship.

Key Points

1. The Comfort from the Lord – Acts 18:9
   • Fear and Faith: Many fears in life are unnecessary when we trust in God. From common fears (dirt, heights, darkness) to deeper spiritual fears, we learn that “the fear of the Lord” is the only fear that brings wisdom and peace (Matthew 10:28).
   • God’s Assurance: When we fear God, we need not fear anything else. The Bible reminds us “fear not” over 100 times (2 Timothy 1:7, Mark 5:36).
   • Reflection: How can we trust God more deeply to overcome fear?
2. The Commandment from God – Acts 18:9
   • Speak, Stay, Stick with It: God commanded Paul to speak boldly and stay the course, promising His presence and protection.
   • Illustration: D.L. Moody believed sharing the gospel was his calling; like Paul, we too are called to share God’s message and trust His protection.
   • Reflection: In what ways can we share our faith boldly, even when we face resistance?
3. The Companionship from the Lord – Acts 18:10-17
   • Promise of Presence: God tells Paul, “I am with thee”—a reminder that God’s presence is our strength and shield (2 Timothy 4:16-17).
   • Promise of Provision: God assured Paul that he would not be harmed and that many people in Corinth would respond to the gospel.
   • Reflection: How does knowing God is with us and has a purpose for us change our perspective on fear and faith?
4. A Promise That Gave Power – Acts 18:11
   • Faith Over Fear: God’s assurance allowed Paul to continue his work with boldness. Trusting in God’s power and promise, Paul shared the gospel, touching countless lives.
   • Reflection: Where in our lives can we let go of fear and allow God’s strength to empower us?

Reflection Questions

• What fears are holding me back, and how can I surrender them to God?
• How does knowing God’s promises and presence change the way I face challenges?
• Am I willing to trust, try, and thank God even in times of uncertainty?

Takeaway

With God as our companion, we can find the courage to face any fear. His promises of presence, provision, and protection empower us to step out in faith. As Paul learned, we don’t have to fear; God is with us, guiding, protecting, and blessing our journey.

In this episode, we explore the meaning behind God's invitation to the wedding in Matthew 22 and what it means for each of it.

Key Points

1. Jesus’s Invitation to Us
   • Jesus invites everyone to follow Him and experience a relationship with God.
   • His call is personal and meant for each one of us, regardless of our background or past.
2. The Importance of Our Response
   • Our response to Jesus’s invitation matters deeply and reflects our commitment to faith.
   • There are many ways we might respond, from fully embracing the invitation to hesitating or even ignoring it.
3. Why Responding is Urgent
   • There is a sense of urgency in Jesus’s call: we’re encouraged to respond today, not to delay.
   • The scripture reminds us, “Today is the day of salvation,” emphasizing that every moment counts in our spiritual journey.
4. Applying the Message to Daily Life
   • Think about how we can show our “RSVP” to Jesus in our daily decisions, actions, and relationships.
   • This might mean prioritizing prayer, engaging with scripture, or reaching out to others in love.

Reflection Questions

Consider these questions as you reflect on the message:

• How have I responded to Jesus’s invitation in my own life?
• What may be holding me back from fully accepting His call?
• What changes could I make today to live out my response to Christ more fully?

Call to Action

Take a moment to reflect on your personal “RSVP” to Jesus. If you’re unsure about your response, consider praying, reading scripture, or talking to a pastor for guidance.

Thank You

Thank you for joining us! We hope this episode inspires you to think about your spiritual journey and deepen your relationship with Christ. Tune in for more episodes as we continue to explore faith, life, and purpose.

Let's study into Acts 17, exploring key themes and verses that highlight the transformative power of faith. We'll discuss the impact of early Christians, the call to seek the Lord, and the nature of true nobility in faith.

• Those Who Turned the World Upside Down (Acts 17:6)
  • Context: Paul and Silas’ radical message leads to significant unrest.
  • Application: How can we embody this spirit today?
• No King but Jesus (Acts 17:7)
  • Meaning: The declaration of allegiance to Jesus as a challenge to worldly authorities.
  • The implications of recognizing Jesus as our ultimate authority.
  • Personal Reflection: How do we declare "No King but Jesus" in our lives?
• More Noble than Those (Acts 17:11)
  • Context: The Bereans’ eagerness to receive the word and verify its truth.
  • Insight: True nobility in faith comes from a willingness to seek and understand.
  • Application: Encourage listeners to be like the Bereans—engaged, discerning, and open to truth.
• His Spirit Was Stirred (Acts 17:16)
  • Meaning: Paul’s deep concern for the idolatry he witnesses in Athens.
  • Discussion: The importance of being stirred in our spirits for the lost and the broken.
  • Call to Action: How can we allow our spirits to be stirred for the needs around us?
• Why We Should Seek the Lord (Acts 17:26-27)
  • Key Verses: Paul explains that God desires to be found by us.
  • Application: Practical ways to seek the Lord daily—prayer, scripture, community.

In this episode, we explore the Parable of the Sons from Luke 15:11-32, examining the contrast between outward goodness and true godliness. We’ll uncover the deeper truths behind the actions of the older brother and what it means to live a life aligned with God.

Introduction

• Context: Jesus shares three parables in Luke 15, focusing on lost things: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (the focus of our discussion).
• Reading the Story: Overview of the parable’s main events.

The First S0n:

1. His Resignation (Luke 15:12-13)
   • The younger son asks for his inheritance early and leaves home.
2. His Reckoning (Luke 15:14)
   • A famine strikes, leading to hardship and realization.
3. His Realization (Luke 15:17)
   • "When he came to himself" signifies awakening to his true condition.
4. His Return (Luke 15:18)
   • The decision to return home symbolizes repentance.
5. The Rejoicing
   • The father’s joy and readiness to forgive highlight grace.

Focus: The Older Brother

• Introduction to the Older Brother: Familiarity with the story leads us to the often-overlooked character.

The Audience

• The Pharisees: Self-righteousness contrasted with genuine faith.
• Judas: A reminder of appearances versus true discipleship.

Key Themes

• Good vs. Godly:
  • Good actions do not equate to godliness.
  • Christians are called to more than just being good; we must embody godliness.

Characteristics of the Older Brother

1. The Reaction that Reveals His Character (Luke 15:25-28)
   • Living: Proximity to the father’s house doesn’t guarantee spiritual closeness.
   • Hearing: He hears the celebration but is unaffected.
   • Lingering: His refusal to join the celebration shows his stubbornness.
   • Lacking: Joy is absent in his life due to his bitterness.
2. The Resentment in His Relationship (Luke 15:28-30)
   • The Father’s Plea: The father invites him in, showcasing grace.
   • The Son’s Complaint: Reveals bitterness and self-righteousness.
3. The Reply that Reveals His Confusion
   • The father reassures the older brother of his inheritance.
   • Blessings vs. Jealousy: The older brother is blind to his own blessings.

Illustrative Story: Joshua Bell in the Metro

• The Experiment: A world-renowned musician plays in a subway station, but few recognize his talent.
• Takeaway: Often, the greatest gifts and truths go unnoticed, paralleling how we may miss the deeper meaning in our lives when focused on mere appearances.

In this episode, we delve into the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares from Matthew 13:24-30. We explore the implications of Jesus’ teachings, focusing on the good seed, the enemy, and the ultimate harvest.

Key Scripture

• Text: Matthew 13:24-30
• Interpretation: Matthew 13:36-43

Main Points

1. The Savior (Matthew 13:24)
   • Jesus sows good seed.
   • He offers what the world cannot.
   • God desires to plant good seed in our lives.
2. The Seed (Matthew 13:24)
   • Importance of spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:15).
   • In what areas do you need God to grow in your life?
   • The process of growth is inevitable; we’ll grow in one direction or another (Psalms 92:12, Isaiah 53:2).
   • Fruits reveal the true nature (Matthew 7:20, James 2:17-20).
3. Satan (Matthew 13:25)
   • The Enemy: The devil's role in sowing tares.
   • Devious
   • Deceptive: The stealthy nature of evil; tares resemble wheat until mature.
4. The Servants (Matthew 13:27)
   • The servants’ assumption: they believed they could separate the good from the bad.
   • Be careful not to overestimate our ability to discern and remove evil without damage.
5. The Separation and Storing (Matthew 25:31-33; 41)
   • Facing God: The inevitability of judgment.
   • The concept of "facing the music" and its origin.
   • Importance of authenticity in faith: many may appear Christian but lack true relationship with God.
   • Warning: Tares will hear, "Depart from me, I never knew you."

Hosea 2:15

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Join us today as we see the door of hope that Christ can open for all that believe

Outline

I. His Pursuit

II. His Provision

III. His Plan

IV. His Purpose

Guest Speaker : Rock of Ages Missionary John Shelley preaches on 6/14/2024.

This message is taken from Luke 15 focusing on the Father in the story

Preached from the Pulpit of Ashland St. Baptist Church

https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/

Guest Speaker : Rock of Ages Missionary John Shelley preaches on 6/14/2024.

Preached from the Pulpit of Ashland St. Baptist Church

https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/

"Must We Forgive?" - Matthew 18:21-35

Outline:

1. The Necessity of Forgiveness:
   • Universal Experience of Hurt
   • Human Nature to Cause Pain
   • Consequences of Hurt
2. God’s Solution: Forgiveness:
   • Learning to Forgive
   • Peter’s Question (Matthew 18:21-22)
   • God’s Infinite Mercy
3. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant:
   • Astounding Debt:
     • The Accounting (23)
     • The Amount (24-25)
     • The Acknowledgment (26-27)Ephesians 4:32, reinforces the need to forgive as God forgives.
4. The Awful Decision:
   • Bitterness Consequences
   • Interaction with the Fellow Servant (28):
     • Begs for Mercy (29): The fellow servant’s plea and the lack of compassion shown.
     • Brutality in Response (30): the servant showed no forgiveness with his harsh treatment of the one who owed him.
   • Reflection on God’s Patience: If God were as patient with us as we are with others, would we be forgiven?
   • Forgiven to Forgive: Emphasize that as recipients of God’s forgiveness, we are obligated to extend that grace to others.
5. Awareness of Deliverance:
   • Understanding Forgiveness in Practice
   • Testimony to the Lost

Preached from the Pulpit of Ashland Street Baptist Church

https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/

Key Themes:

1. The Value of Salvation:
   • Salvation is a free gift from God, contrasting with world religions that require payment.
   • Emphasizes that choosing Jesus is not a sacrifice; it’s a gain—freedom from sin, shame, and death.
2. Christian Life's Balance:
   • Life as a Christian may have struggles but ultimately offers more than worldly living.
   • References Proverbs 12:15 and Romans 3:26a to illustrate the hardships of sin versus the rewards of faith.
3. Eternal Rewards:
   • Ephesians 3:8-9 and Philippians 4:19 to emphasize God’s provision and the promise of eternal riches.
4. Willingness to Work:
   • The need for active participation in God’s work; righteousness is free, but rewards require effort.
   • John 4:36 illustrates the joy in both sowing and reaping.
5. Opportunities in the Vineyard:
   • The vineyard owner continually seeks laborers, illustrating that it's never too late to join God’s work.
   • Encourages us that God is always ready to offer second chances.
6. Dealing with Injustice:
   • The temptation to complain about perceived unfairness in God’s rewards
   • Reminders of the goodness of God and the importance of His blessings.

Conclusion:

The message that God is fair and generous, offering us opportunities to serve and rewarding our efforts, should leave us with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude.

Preached from the Pulpit of Ashland Street Baptist Church

https://www.ashlandstreetbaptist.com/